This Comprehensive Owner's Guide to the Australian Cattle Dog serves as a complete introduction to Blue Heeler from Down Under. Regarded in Australia as the island nation's pride and joy, the Australian Cattle Dog knows no peer as a working herding dog, capable of controlling the most difficult stock in the punishing environs of its native land. Today the breed excels in various arenas beyond its bred-for ranching job, and the book traces the breed's fascinating origins and shows how the Australian Cattle Dog has become the most versatile dog on the planet. Beyond the history of the breed, the book includes chapters on characteristics and the breed standard encapsulating all of the virtues of this active breed, offering sound advice about which owners are best suited to own the nonstop AuCaDo. New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with handsome adults and puppies bursting with attitude and personality! In all, there are over 135 photographs in this compact, useful, and reliable volume. The author's advice on obedience training the quick-minded (and quick-moving) AuCaDo will help readers better mold and train their dogs into the most socialized, well-mannered dog in the neighborhood. The extensive chapter on healthcare provides up-to-date detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Chapters on showing and participating in dog sports as well as solving common behavior issues (such as barking, digging, etc.) will prove informative to the new owner. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as historical kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.
